Scotts Bluff and Chimney Rock, Nebraska

     My trip prep investigations also led me to Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock National Historic Site, both landmarks on the Emigrant Trail. The area was vast and the roads rather free of cars, though we did encounter an assortment of farm equipment.

Driving from Crawford to Scotts Bluff, Nebraska.

The Great Plains.

     Like the Indians and fur traders, those emigrating West followed rivers on the journey. From Independence, Missouri--Oregon and California Trails--and Nauvoo, Illinois--Mormon Trail--wagon trains followed the Platte and North Platte Rivers. The Pony Express from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, followed a similar route. 

     Scotts Bluff rises 800 feet above the North Platte River on its south side. The Mormons, who traveled on the north side of the river, believing it healthier and to avoid possible contact with former enemies from Illinois and Missouri--"gentiles"--stayed along the river. Those on the Oregon and California Trails, which followed the south side of the river, used Robidoux* Pass, 9 miles southwest, to navigate the bluffs, as the area between the bluffs and the river was eroded with gullies. Increased travel West brought by the California Gold Rush prompted improvements to the trail through Mitchell Pass, shown in the photo abov. By using this route, wagon trains shortened their journey by a day. 

*Robidoux was either the son or uncle of Joseph Robidoux, founder of St. Joseph, Missouri, and home to the Pony Express and Marilyn's children's dad.

Marilyn walking on the Oregon Trail through Mitchell Pass.

     Pioneers in wagon trains used the two types of covered wagons to the left. The wagons were filled with all the earthly goods that the settlers had, while everyone except infants walked. Early Mormon emigrants also used covered wagons. Mormons who left Illinois later or who had emigrated from Europe were too poor and were given handcarts like the one above. We could not imagine pulling one of them across the country.

Remnants of the California Trail and Pony Express Route.

Mitchell Pass, center of photo, seen from the overlook at the top of the bluffs. We drove up the road shown in the picture, passing through three tunnels. The road and tunnels were constructed by the WPA and CCC.

We picnicked at a park in nearby Gering, Nebraska, something we need to do more! Then it was on to Chimney Rock.

Chimney Rock, from the west.

The pioneers would have seen Chimney Rock from the east before they saw Scotts Bluff.

Chimney rock is at 4,225 feet above sea level and rises 470 feet above the North Platte River, 30 feet less than when people traveled the Emigrant Trails. It is visible for up to 30 miles.

Doug walking on the Oregon Trail at Mitchell Pass.

      It was pleasantly warm, but often very windy, as we traveled through South Dakota and Nebraska in early May. With the myriad of difficulties of crossing the nearly treeless Great Plains on foot, it is no surprise that so many thousands died in the attempt to emigrate West and thousands turned back, having "seen the elephant." It is perhaps even more surprising that so many thousands endured. We have each traveled across this great country in cars pre-air conditioning, and that seemed a trial, especially once air conditioned cars were introduced! But to walk across it in all the elements?